2. MASK OF DEATH
"Mrs. Daaé, wonderful performance." He said in his dark, myserious voice that always made her feel like she was drowning underwater and he was the only one that could save her. His leather-covered hand slowly crept up her arm before he laid his arm ontop of hers, slipping a single red rose into her hand. "Madame, if it isn't too forward but can I have an autograph?" He said, turning her around so she had to stare into those ember eyes of his. Underneath his visible eye, you could see a bit of puffiness and some lines to show signs of worry.
"You left me." She said sharply at him. She gasped after she said it. "I'm sorry, that was... I'm quite sorry." She looked down, a blush creeping onto her face. She always got flustered, angry, and giddy when she was around him. Embarrassing herself was unusual unless with Phantom. She was still looking down when she felt his strong hand almost stroke her hair while used his other hand to lift her face up to look at his. "Don't be sorry. I did leave you and that is very unforgivable. Yet, I just came to check in on some things and I saw you. You are still beautiful, Madame Daaé. How are you?" He said, taking her hand in a tight grip, leading her to his lair. He always knew how to make himself feel at home, in some way or another.
"I am doing well and how are you, monsieur?" She said, her heart getting stuck in her throat as she looked at him. She knew she loved Phantom but she couldn't leave Raoul. Oh, Raoul. Poor Raoul. She was suppoused to meet him after her show tonight. She didn't know what to do. She wanted to sing with her Angel. Her Angel understood everything. When they got to his home, she noticed he hadn't answered her question. Looking at him as they went to his piano, she slid one finger down his face by his mask.
He quivered under her touch but she didn't move her hand any closer to his mask. "You do not understand that what you have done is not wrong by leaving me. You are doing what was right for you." She whispered softly. He closed his eyes and took a breath. "I was gone, writing an opera, meant for you. I want you to sing the lead role, Christine." He said softly, almost sounding nervous. She remembered it clearly now.
"Why can't we just practice your new opera now? I want to sing with you." She said just a few months back in the past. "You know we cannot practice something that is unfinished. I have told you this." He rolled his golden eyes at her. He was in a better mood today. "Just a few bars, Angel. I haven't sung a duet with you in such a long time." She pleaded again, placing her small hand on his arm. He shook his head. "Come now, you need to practice." He said, taking her hand gently off his arm to place it on the piano instead. "I will finish the opera soon enough and you will be the lead. I vow that to you." He nodded before playing a tune on the piano.
"Phantom, please. Can we now sing the duet?" She said. He looked at her and with a curt nod, he started to play.